The Ultimate Guide to Welsh Folk

This richly varied introduction to the Welsh folk music tradition is an important contribution from the lesser known and often overlooked cousin of the Celtic family. It is refreshing to note that nearly as many female artists as male are featured, in a tradition often portrayed as being dominated by men: from legends Nansi Richards and Mary Hopkin to the new wave of talent, Gwyneth Glyn, Catrin Finch and Lleuwen, not forgetting the fine voices of Julie Murphy, Sian James and Linda Griffiths. That said, there are still male voice choirs, as you'd expect, alongside triple harps, world music-influenced fusions and surprising honorary folkies such as Euros Childs and Max Boyce. The liner notes are informative and detailed. Cerys Matthews has worked as a mysterious cupid in compiling this CD, bringing together songs old and new, sometimes from artists who have long left the building through to talented young musicians such as Calan and 9Bach, bringing a new energy to the scene.